NEW signing Mark Hotte boosted Motors’ leaky defence at Rivacre Park last night to earn his team a hard-earned Blue Square North point.

The 29-year-old was signed from Droylsden by boss Carl Macauley on Monday and went straight into Vauxhall’s line-up against Nuneaton, playing in a three-man central defence.

Former Scarborough man Hotte made a major difference as Motors – who have shipped 26 goals this season, including five on Saturday – kept a welcome clean sheet.

The home defence had their hands full against a bright and lively Nuneaton outfit.

Gary Ricketts shaved the Motors’ crossbar with an instant strike from an acute angle on 14 minutes, but Macauley’s men held firm and almost took the lead themselves when the ever-lively Paul Taylor drew a smart save from visiting keeper Darren Acton.

Early in the second half, Nuneaton’s former Tranmere and Chester City midfielder Tom Curtis flashed a shot inches off target from the edge of the box. Then Vauxhall keeper Sean Lake had to be at his best to keep out a far post header from Andy Brown.

As the match headed towards its conclusion, Motors twice came close to breaking the deadlock. Both chances fell to Steve Johnson but he was denied by smart saves from Acton.

Motors chairman Alan Bartlam said: ‘It was a very entertaining game for a 0-0 draw. Mark Hotte helped matters greatly and marshalled the defence well.’

Motors hit the road on Saturday for a trip to bottom side Hucknall Town (3pm). They return to Rivacre Park next Tuesday for a UniBond Cheshire Senior Cup tie against Alsager Town, of UniBond Division One South. Kick-off 7.45pm.